Marc Cucurella addresses controversial decision to sign for Real Madrid in first interview since joining

Marc Cucurella has responded to supporters who find it difficult to understand how a player with ties to Barcelona could go on to join Real Madrid.

Just hours before Spain's opening game at the World Cup, it was confirmed that Cucurella will join Real Madrid from Chelsea this summer in a deal worth £47.5 million plus £4.3 million in add-ons.

Cucurella, who made 163 appearances for Chelsea between 2022 and 2026, has been linked with a host of clubs in recent months, including Manchester City, Atletico Madrid and former club Barcelona.

In fact, a report from Spanish publication COPE suggested Cucurella had prioritised a return to Barcelona.

However, a move to the Catalan club was said to be unrealistic due to the club’s situation in the transfer market, as they are currently prioritising signing a new forward.

The 27-year-old's decision to join Madrid, meanwhile, has not gone down well with some Barca fans.

Cucurella spent eight years at Barcelona between 2012 and 2020, and in March this year, he admitted it would be "hard to turn down" an offer to return to his former club if an approach was made.

Cucurella played for Barcelona on a handful of occasions. Image credit: Getty

Marc Cucurella addresses decision to join Real Madrid in first interview as a Los Blancos player

So what does Cucurella say to those supporters who question his move to Barcelona's biggest rivals? Speaking to El Mundo in his first interview as a Madrid player, the defender gave his take on the debate.

"I tell them that life has different stages," he said. "In this case, I've had to make an important decision, and I have no doubts; I think it's a big step for me. When you're a kid, you dream of playing for big teams, and I think Real Madrid is one of them."

"They're the team with the most Champions League titles in the world, and I hope to win titles with them and have a wonderful time there," added the Spaniard.

The full-back continued to wax lyrically about Madrid, adding: "Well, I think it's been seen many times in their historic comebacks. I think they have a mystique. I don't know how to put it, it's unpredictable.

"Very few people watching the matches can understand how Real Madrid can come back or win games when they seem to be on the ropes. To be able to be a part of it, to experience that feeling from the inside, to live through those magical nights is something that, as a footballer, I think everyone enjoys."

Marc Cucurella had no doubts when picking Real Madrid over other interested clubs

In the wide-ranging interview, Cucurella said the opportunity to join Madrid was one he "couldn't refuse".

He added: "Well, in the end there were different options, but when the offer from Real Madrid came along, I didn't hesitate. I think it's a unique opportunity.

"Ultimately, playing for Real Madrid is an honor, and not many players can say that, so I had no doubts. I think both I and those around me, my family, were clear that it was an opportunity we couldn't refuse, and I'm very happy with the decision we made."